Day at the cricket in Galle

It was perfect blue sky today, not a cloud in sight. It would have been the perfect day to surf or sit by the beach or pool with a book. However, I knew that Hubby wanted to do something diifferent! It’s what he has been wanting to do since we arrived in Galle. Watch Sri Lanka’s M Muralitharan play his last test match as he is retiring.

Now before I go on, I know some of you may think I’m crazy! Cricket? How could I? Well I never thought I could! I love watching sports – basketball, tennis, football, hockey – you name it. I love watching the One Day International (ODI) cricket but it took a while for me to get ‘hooked’ on test matches! Cricket is not the most exciting game. I agree that it can be boring, like watching the grass grow or paint dry. I am not going to argue or convince you why you should watch it.

I enjoy it because it is social! You go with friends, drink beer, eat meat pies and sausage rolls and be social. And if they annoy you, open a book and be immersed until you hear people cheering and you know someone is out! It’s a great day to be with friends, soak in some sun, sit out doors and well… Drink beer 🙂

We got up late this morning which I knew annoyed Hubby. He wouldn’t even let me have a proper breakfast at the hotel or anywhere for that matter! I could sense the eagerness and anticipation of getting to the ground! He loves watching the players come onto the ground and watch that first ball of play! So I suggested we go to Serendipity Cafe to get some takeaway sandwiches so we could eat it at the match. It wasn’t even worth taking a photo as by the time I sat down to eat it, it was cold and hard! We both ordered the toasted cheese, tomato and basil sandwich. 3 pieces of toast, with mango chutney and fresh basil – if it was fresh it would have been fantastic!

We got to the ground and paid 500 rupees each (which is equivalent to $5AUD) to sit at the nicer stands in the shade! Hubby was definitely excited and was ready to soak in some cricket!!

It was Murali’s final test match. He was going to become the world’s first bowler with 800 Test wickets, which is a great achievement! You could tell he was loved by the spectators and fans. Full size posters of Murali everywhere!

We saw Murali take four wickets, he had two from yesterday and needed another two wickets to achieve that landmark. We would love to see him achieve this as it would be one of the greatest achievements in cricket!

I know I know, I am probably boring you but I would like to be able to say that ‘I was at that match when Murali took his 800th wicket!’ Like the time when Hubby and I watched one of the greatest football player Messi score that amazing goal which was compared to Maradona. I am glad to be able to say that ‘I was at that game’.

Hubby was glued to the game. We spent almost the whole day there, met some friendly Sri Lankans and had a great time chatting and drinking beer! We met some British people also, but alas we were the only Australian / Asian there.

We left before stumps (end of play) to hit the pool and swim.

Of course by this time it’s 4pm and I have not had lunch! The problem with travelling with Hubby is that he is never hungry!

Unfortunately, it started to pour as we were getting ready to head out for dinner and being the lazy people we are, ordered room service! I couldn’t go pass the butter chicken masala with roti and cucumber and yogurt salad. The chicken was tender and succulent. The butter chicken masala was a little spicy which gave it a nice kick. Roti dipped in the butter chicken masala was tasty and absolutely satisfying! It was definitely what I needed.

Hubby ordered the blue fin tuna with couscous and mango and cucumber salad. The blue fin tuna was seared and cut into cubes. It was served warm and separately from the couscous. The couscous was a little bland on its own but with a bit of my curry, it went down well. I wasn’t a huge fan of the blue fin but the butter chicken masala was a winner!

Ravenous, I indulged and ate in less than 5 mins! The problem with being too hungry is that I tend to eat too fast! Serious indigestion and food coma!